WATCH: Locust outbreak in parts of South Africa is the worst ever
South Africa has seen large locust populations emerge in recent months.
In April 2021, a video was shared on social media of a swarm of locusts moving through the grasslands outside the Eastern Cape town of Graaff-Reinet. According to reports, the local locust population has surged since last year.
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In October last year, 127 farms in Middelburg Cape, Graaff-Reinet, Aberdeen, Cradock, Nieu-Bethesda, Pearston, and Jansenville were affected by the local locust outbreak. By December, the Free State, Northern Cape, and Western Cape experienced the outbreak.
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Philip Kemp, a government contractor in charge of locust control in the Graaff-Reinet region, told Landbou.com that the latest outbreak in the Eastern Cape is the worst swarms that he has encountered.
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According to the United Nations, a locust swarm one square kilometre in size can eat the same amount of food in a day as 35,000 people.
The Scenic Drive spoke to farmer André van Rensburg about the latest outbreak.
"They don't want to move. It looks like they want to visit forever. It's unbelievable."
"You can't even drive. The air becomes black in front of you."
Watch the video below:
You can help the farmers to fight the current outbreak.
Find the details of the Disaster Fund below:
Vrystaat Landbou
ABSA
Account nr: 470940670
Branch: 632005
Reference: Disaster ans cell number
OR
SMS your name to 37846. (R1/SMS. T&Cs apply)
Tune in to the 'Scenic Drive with Rian', weekdays from 16:00-19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Image Credit: Supplied